The Swede was signed on loan from the French side in the summer, but has found himself a bit part player since Sam Allardyce took charge at the Stadium of Light.

He has started just five of Allardyce’s 13 games in charge, and the Black Cats were thought to be keen to terminate his loan deal early to use his wages on somebody else in January.

Rennes though, have rejected that proposal outright and he will now spend the rest of the season on loan in the Premier League according to the Shields Gazette.

All of his wages are currently paid by Sunderland as part of the loan agreement and his parent club do not want to take those wages back onto their books, indeed, they are keen to get him off their books permanently.

Sunderland need several players, including Toivonen, off their wage bill if they are to continue bringing in players in the January transfer window as they are close to their limit.

Instead, it seems the Sweden star will be staying and they will have to change their plans accordingly.

Sean Lunt

Sean Lunt is a Journalism and Spanish graduate with a passion for football. As an avid Everton fan he has survived the Walter Smith era, enjoyed the resurgence under David Moyes and is now wholly embracing the Spanish revolution with Roberto Martinez. Away from Everton he follows the rest of the football league and has a particular interest in La Liga.